Going all-or-nothing: Paul and his ultimate trust
2 Timothy 4:16-22
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
The Lord gave Paul strength in the most dire of circumstances. And not just strength to survive, strength to preach the good news in its entirety! The ‘entirety’ part convicts me; it wasn’t just a false start, or an attempt cut shot. It was the full gospel.
I certainly don’t face the level of dire situations that Paul encounters. Yet, he was able to preach the full gospel under that level of threat and have the confidence that the Lord will deliver him from every evil attack.
What would my life look like if it was shaped with this confidence? How would I approach difficult situations? Would I take up more opportunities to share the full gospel? Looking at Paul’s example it is clear that walking with the Holy Spirit should change your view on trials and how you behave in them.
Dear God, thank you for the example of Paul and the strength you gave him to give it all, whatever the trial he faced. I ask that as we face trials, you enable us to walk in that same strength. Shift our perspective to see you empowering and sustaining us but make it clear as day how you are positioning us to share your gospel in full. Amen
Written by Nick Molteno
